A Paradise on Kenya's North Coast: My Experience at Temple Point
On Kenya’s breathtaking North Coast, nestled between the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush mangrove forests of the Mida Creek, lies the Temple Point. This family-run hotel in Watamu is more than just a place to stay – it’s a unique experience that gave me a deep appreciation for the beauty and culture of this fascinating region.
A bird's eye view of Temple Point
When I arrived at Temple Point a few days ago, I was immediately impressed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The resort, which first opened its doors in 1992, has retained its original charm while being lovingly and modernly updated. The director’s son, who moved to Kenya seven years ago, has brought new life to the property with innovative projects like the Lichthaus, a sunset bar that blends modern style with the resort’s coastal charm. The Lichthaus isn’t just a bar – it’s a magical place. Around 6 p.m., I sat there as the sun began to set, and I met a couple from Germany. We spent the evening together, enjoying great music, and as the sun finally dipped into the ocean, we jumped right into the water from the Lichthaus. It was one of those unforgettable moments that’s hard to put into words – simply breathtaking.
The sunset bar Lichthaus
The resort’s staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. I have particularly fond memories of Fernando, the tour guide who showed me around Watamu. Fernando – or Nando, as he’s known – is a friendly guy with a wealth of experience. He took me to places I would never have discovered on my own and shared stories that brought these spots to life. If you’re here, I highly recommend taking a tour with Nando – it’s just so much fun to explore the area with him.
Nando our tour guide is currently explaining watamu culture
The Temple Point itself also impressed me with its architecture. The 70 rooms, spread across 20 bungalows in Swahili style, offer modern comforts while maintaining an authentic feel. My room had a terrace with a wonderful view of the botanical garden, where I saw numerous birds and a few playful monkeys wandering across the grounds.
Bunglows at Temple Point
Another highlight was the semi-private beach at the resort. When I was there, I had the entire white sandy beach to myself. It was an incredible feeling to lie there in complete peace and quiet, simply enjoying the view of the ocean. These are the moments when you can truly unwind and fully appreciate the beauty of nature.
The semi-private short beach at Temple Point
The dining experience at Temple Point is another aspect that stood out to me. The Bazaar à la carte restaurant was particularly impressive. The variety of dishes was excellent, and each one was prepared with fresh, regional ingredients. The food was outstanding, and the atmosphere at Bazar made the meal a true experience. I also enjoyed the buffet restaurant – the selection was diverse, and the staff was always friendly and helpful.
The Bazaar à la carte restaurant
Another exciting offering at the resort is the Extra Divers dive center, which has been based at Temple Point since 2017. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take advantage of the dive center myself – I had to fly back to Germany shortly afterward, and as we all know, diving before flying isn’t advisable. However, I plan to make up for this on my next visit. There are so many opportunities to explore the underwater world of Watamu, and I can’t wait to have this experience.
The Extra Divers dive center
The Gym & Tonic is another highlight of the resort. This state-of-the-art fitness center offers the chance to stay in shape even while on vacation. To be honest, I didn’t use the gym during my stay, but just knowing that the equipment was imported fresh from the UK two years ago speaks volumes. The staff told me that the facilities are of the highest standards, which is a dream come true for fitness enthusiasts. I can easily imagine that you won’t find equipment like this anywhere else in Kenya – perfect for those who don’t want to miss their workouts even while on holiday.
Gym & Tonic
The botanical garden at the resort particularly fascinated me. Walking through it felt like wandering through a living jungle, with plants growing all around you. The well-kept grounds have a calming and relaxing effect, and I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through them.
The Temple Point
For me, Temple Point is a place that perfectly balances relaxation and adventure. From its idyllic location at the Watamu Marine National Park to the variety of activities available – there’s something for everyone here. I was especially impressed by the safety at the resort. The security personnel patrolling at night and the beautifully designed entrance made me feel comfortable and secure at all times.
A white spot boxfish in the Indian Ocean
Overall, my stay at Temple Point was a wonderful experience that I would gladly repeat. The mix of stunning nature, warm people, and excellent service makes this place a true hidden gem on Kenya’s North Coast. If you’re looking for a destination that offers both relaxation and adventure, then Temple Point is the place for you.
